Toobook Evaluation

Q2. Evaluate the two programs in assignment 6.1 for their use in creating implicit or explicit models. Explain the difference between the software programs, and support your analysis with references from the readings. Include in your initial response a brief summary of the features of each program you evaluated.

Toolbook Instructor & ToolBook Assistant were evaluated and the following were noted

• Both programs havw very simliar functionalities . Assistant has simpler user interface features with builit in wizards for designer to author interactive and dynamic pages. Instructor is a more complex program with advance programming capabilities for creating customized templates, and scripted pages. For example, template pages created in Instructor can be used in ToolBook Assistant. Instructor also has a plug in recorder, Sim Autobuild Recorder for recording mouse activities within an application software. However, Tthe program freezes whenever it was lauched. It could be because that the application is only a trial version.
• Deployment of content can be delivered over the web with or without plugins. It can also be set up as stand-alone executable courseware that is only PC based.
  In a web environment, the program utilizes DHTML technology to display content for either Internet Explorer (IE) or Nestcape. DHTML pages generated by both programs work better in Netscape than IE. Both programs can publish content with the use of the Neuron plug in. It seems that the pages run better with the plug in on a local computer but not well when it is delivered over the web server. (View links below to check out the page & error notes)
• Designers can create content easily with templates with built in modules for self assessment quizzes (True/False, Multiple, Drag & Drop, Match, Text entry, and hot spots) , and rich media content (video/audio & flash movies with custom feedback). ToolBook also supports SCORM & ACC standards for Learning Management Systems.
• The instructional designer have a variety of options to create lesson material with the use of text, imported graphics & media that can challenge the learners at various cognitive levels. The areas that can support explicit approach of instruction are, (1) programmed Q & A assessment with immediate feedback, (2) text entry fields for required different levels of problem solving questions, and (3) imported multimedia applications such as flash interactions with practice exercises.

  
  The following links to the toolbook documents were created in the ToolBook Instructor and Assistant and later exported as web pages. There were many technical and browser errors while working with the various templates.
  ToolBook Tech Requirements - IE 5.5 or Netscape 7.2 with pop up blockers turned off
  1. Works only in Netscape 7.2 (DHTML format with embedded flash presentation) (ERROR with IE)
  2. Toolbook Assistant Exported with Neuron Plug in Requirement (ERROR in IE when delivered over server, works locally)
  3. Toolbook Assistant - Neuron with Embedded Flash media file (ERROR IN IE when delivered over server)
  4. DHTML exported from ToolBook Instructor
  5. Neuron Plug in from ToolBook Instructor (WORKS IN IE!)
  6. ToolBook Assistant Exported as DHTML - DRAFT document(Only works with Nestcape)